Hangouts camera not working? How to fix it

Diagnose and resolve Hangouts camera issues with our comprehensive troubleshooting guide and online camera testing tool

Updated on November 8, 2026

Hangouts camera not working? Use Google Meet instead

Google retired Hangouts in 2022. Messages moved to Google Chat and video calls moved to Google Meet, so camera problems in Hangouts can only be solved by switching to Meet. The fixes below are for Google Meet.

Start with the camera test at the top of this page. If your picture appears here but not in Meet, the browser or the Meet app is missing permission. That one check tells you whether to fix Google Meet or the device itself, and saves you from trying fixes that cannot help.

Quick checks first

  • Start or join calls at meet.google.com, from Google Chat, or from the Google Meet app on phones.
  • Before joining, use the preview on the Meet green-room screen to check the camera; click the three dots › Settings › Video to pick the camera.

Google Meet camera on Windows

  1. In Chrome or Edge on meet.google.com, click the site-settings icon left of the address bar and set Camera to Allow.
  2. Open Settings › Privacy & security › Camera (on Windows 10: Settings › Privacy › Camera). Turn on Camera access and Let apps access your camera, then check that your browser is allowed in the list. Programs installed from the web appear under Let desktop apps access your camera, which must also be on.

Google Meet camera on Mac

  1. Allow the camera for meet.google.com in your browser (Safari: Safari › Settings for meet.google.com).
  2. Open Apple menu › System Settings › Privacy & Security › Camera and turn on your browser. Quit and reopen your browser afterwards. On macOS Monterey and earlier the switch is in System Preferences › Security & Privacy › Privacy › Camera.

Google Meet camera on iPhone

  1. Install the Google Meet app (the old Hangouts app no longer works).
  2. On your iPhone, open Settings › Apps › Google Meet (on iOS 17 and earlier: Settings › Google Meet) and turn on Camera. If Camera is missing from that screen, Google Meet has never asked for access: start a video call once and tap Allow.

Google Meet camera on iPad

  1. Install the Google Meet app on the iPad.
  2. On your iPad, open Settings › Apps › Google Meet (on iOS 17 and earlier: Settings › Google Meet) and turn on Camera. If Camera is missing from that screen, Google Meet has never asked for access: start a video call once and tap Allow.

Google Meet camera on Android

  1. Open Settings › Apps › Meet › Permissions › Camera and choose Allow only while using the app. On Android 12 and later, also swipe down twice and make sure the Camera access tile in Quick Settings is not turned off.
  2. Update Google Meet from Google Play; on many phones it replaced the old Hangouts and Duo apps.

Hangouts guides to fix your camera not working

Experiencing camera issues with Hangouts can disrupt your video conferences and meetings. Our specialized guides are designed to help you navigate and resolve these camera problems, ensuring your communications are seamless across any device. Whether you're using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, our targeted troubleshooting steps will assist you in getting your camera functioning properly again. Choose the guide that matches your device for detailed solutions.

Our Hangouts camera troubleshooting guides are available for the following devices: